Thursday August 15, 2024
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday August 15, 2024
Doug Ford’s Government: For the People or For the Developers?
The Ontario Greenbelt scandal has cast a long shadow over the Ford government’s claims of transparency and public interest. While the premier and his ministers insist they are “an open book,” recent actions suggest a different narrative—one where the voices of developers ring louder than those of everyday citizens.
The Greenbelt was created to protect our environment and curb urban sprawl, yet the Ford government attempted to remove 7,400 acres for housing development. The Auditor General’s report revealed that developers with close ties to Ford’s party were favoured, potentially inflating property values by billions. This has led many to question whether the government’s actions were truly in the public’s interest or driven by a desire to benefit political friends.
News: As RCMP investigates Greenbelt scandal, finance minister says Ford government is ‘an open book’
Adding to the controversy is the “Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act,” which eliminated third-party appeals in planning processes. This move has effectively silenced the public’s voice, removing a critical check on municipal planning and zoning decisions. The language of “cutting red tape” and “building more homes faster” masks a more troubling reality: the reduction of democratic participation in favour of expediency and the interests of developers.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy’s assertion that the government is transparent does little to alleviate concerns. The secrecy surrounding mandate letters and the unwillingness to fully disclose communications adds to the perception of a government more interested in protecting its own than in serving its constituents.
Opinion: Doug Ford has to make it clear: Is he for the people or for the developers?
The RCMP’s investigation into the Greenbelt scandal is a step towards accountability, but it is ultimately up to the people of Ontario to pass judgment on their leaders. In a province where voter turnout is often low, there is a real risk that such dubious behaviour might go unchecked. Apathy and disengagement could allow the Ford government to continue down a path that prioritizes developer interests over those of the people it was elected to serve.
The housing crisis in Ontario is a pressing issue, but it cannot be solved by sidelining public input and eroding trust in government. True leadership requires listening to constituents, balancing diverse needs, and fostering inclusive growth. The Ford government must decide whether it wants to be remembered as a champion for the people or as a facilitator for the few. The choice should be clear, but recent actions have cast a long shadow of doubt. As the investigation unfolds and elections loom, it is up to informed voters to make their voices heard and demand better from their leaders. (AI)